What are the common elements of a successful parenting plan in San Diego? Are there things the potential co-parents can do to lessen the impact of a divorce on their child(ren)?
The short answer is “Yes!” there are definitely choices successful co-parents make in order to lessen the impact of a divorce on their child(ren) while creating a successful parenting plan. It all begins with a mindset based upon the central principle of California Family Law as it pertains to children: the best interest(s) of the child. The first question our courts will ask in any family law matter pertaining to a child is “what is in the best interests of this child?” Whenever possible, our Courts prefer for a child to have roughly equal “quality time” with each parent, while preserving the relationship between the child and each parent as much as possible.
Some of the common elements of a successful parenting plan in San Diego include but are not limited to:
Continuous access to both parents. This relates not only to the schedule of moving between households, but communications between the child and each parent at any point in time. Many studies have shown it is best to make sure the child has easy, open channels of communication with each parent through texting, phone conversations, email or video. Many studies have shown a consistent and relatively equal division of time between homes (and smooth transitions between them) and open communications substantially reduce the likelihood of feelings of rejection or abandonment. This is especially true during the process of the divorce and in the months following the actual separation of the households.
Preserving existing patterns for each child. Give serious consideration to the normal schedule and patterns associated with each child before you started considering a divorce. Whenever possible, it is best for the child to maintain existing schedules relating to school, their circle of friends as well as visits with extended family. One of the common elements of a successful parenting plan in San Diego is the involvement of both parents in a child’s life and activities while helping them to keep as much of their existing schedule and life activity as possible.
Advance planning for parental discussions and resolving disagreements. The Court takes a dim view of any parent who bad mouths the other parent in front of their child. Any attempt to disrupt scheduled visitation or interfere in the relationship between the child and the other co-parent can be interpreted as parental alienation, resulting in the loss of your own parenting rights. Therefore, another of the common elements of a successful parenting plan in San Diego is the development of a specific plan to discuss coming events, issues which arise, and areas of potential disagreement outside of the presence of any child. Many couples also find it helpful to establish agreements about how and when to introduce a child to a new partner or integrate new partners into the life and activities of each child.
There are many common elements of a successful parenting plan in San Diego and the experienced Certified Family Law Specialists at Burke & Domercq can help you to work through these issues and develop a plan which will be in the best interests of the child while providing the best opportunity to limit the impact of the divorce upon their life.
Protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.